Government says it is in a process of launching and implementing the code of ethics for public service workers aimed at improving their service delivery to the public.
Secretary to the cabinet, Joshua Kanganja, says the code of ethics will create a public service that will enhence values and provide guidelines on the standards of accountable behavior required for public service employees.
Speaking when he officially launched the Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC) Luapula Office in Mansa today, Dr Kanganja said there is need for public service workers to be responsible and accountable to the public in the way they execute their duties.
Dr Kanganja noted that this is because civil servants have an important role to play in the development process of the country through quality service delivery.
He added that with total commitment, public service employees could assist government in achieving the set targets of developmental goals such as the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) and the Vision 2030.
He explained that the realization of the set developmental goals will require efficient and effective public service participation, hence the need for workers to be proactive.
“You should be aware that the vision for our country to become a middle class income status by the year 2030 demands purposeful, efficient and effective action on the part of the public service”, he Said.
Dr Kanganja further pointed out that there is also need for workers to adopt a positive mind set and apply themselves to the different tasks that they are expected to do in a transparent and accountable manner.
“As public workers there is need for a major paradigm shift in the manner you conduct yourselves, as employees, institutions engage in culture of excellence, accountability and transparency in your service delivery”, he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Kanganja said it is for this reason that government will also use the PMEC system to establish a sustainable process and systems that will ensure effective monitoring of the government employment act.
He further expressed optimism that the establishment of the PMEC office in the province will go a long way in the enhancement of accountability and ownership in the execution and administration of the payroll system in the area.
Earlier, Public Service Management Division (PSMD) Permanent Secretary, George Kawatu, said the establishment of the PMEC payroll system in all provincial centers will help government reduce costs of sending financial officers to Lusaka to retire their input.
Mr Kawatu also disclosed that this is because about 140,000 government workers are on the PMEC database, adding that the system will assist in addressing some of the challenges that government faced in the establishment of an effective payroll management.
“The opening of provincial centers without external consultants means that the money is saved and is being redirected to other needy areas in the country, “he said.
And Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Jazzman Chikwakwa, thanked government for opening PMEC offices in the province, adding that the move will contribute positively to the development of the area through an improved payroll management system.
ZANIS
How many public service reforms has this guy Dr. Kanganja implemented? And yet public service delivery has not improved, if anything things have become worse. My take is that Dr. Kanganja could be competent as a lecturer and not a public service chief executive. He has no vision for public service and he does not know what he wants to achieve for the Zambian public service.
The minister should also put it clear when implementing such a system that include the way and how a civil servant joining politics should apply.Bacuse the currewnt system is not so clear, at the end of the day thosae chaps in the civil service will be holding positions that are political in the country and at the same time on GRZ pay roll, is this not double standards?
It would take many years to reform the civil service as they guys have taken it upon themselves that they can do anything on earth. We have seen Hon. Ministers begging their PSs for some favour on unretired imperests or getting some cash for travel. Usually the Problems of inefficiency in delivery service starts from the top.It appears Dr. J K is running out of ideas. RB during one of his press conferences stated that serminars and workshops have been suspended. What is happening now is the opposite.
mr minister please how do you expect civil servants to contribute to national goals effectively without annual leave grants for so many years.people need to do something productive during leave alas the song by government is that there is no money.what happenes there after everybody joins politics shame.the human resource in zambia is brilliant but leaders are a big let down.old people step down and let fresh blood run the affairs of the country.you have failed
Give them lucrative salaries and you see all these embezzlement of govt money and building
mansions in chalala thr corruption will end.
At the same time your irresponsible government should introduce a law on minimum wage. Have a minimum wage for the country.Zambians are being paid monkey nuts by both local and foreign infestors!
This explains the kind of behaviour seen within the Govt intitutions, they dont have any ethics or code of conduct to follow. Its indeed a big shame. Put things clear of who is to hold which position.
Goodmorning Zambia
I like the statement from the Secretary to the Cabinet – “As public workers there is need for a major paradigm shift in the manner you conduct yourselves, as employees, institutions engage in culture of excellence, accountability and transparency in your service delivery”
In my own words, I would put it this way – An ethically sound working culture of today is the only seed that will guarantee national development for tomorrow and preserve it beyond.
Transparency and accountability lucks in every Zambian government and non-government workers, people now exibit high levels of corruption without any fear of the law, so this PMEC will still be a failure especially if pipo dont change attitude towards public service.
Makes no sense.After FTJ has walked now you want to squeeze the poor. Kulya bonse apa !
Hon. Robbie Chizhyuka, MP featuring on Diaspora Voice
Today Saturday October 31, 2009 at 10:00 am New York Time (16:00 hrs Zambian Time) Zambia brain drain’s Diaspora Voice is hosting Namwala Member of Parliament Major Robbie Chizhyuka (Rtd). Call-in Number: (718) 766-4857 or log your computer to mwape [dot] com to participate or listen live to the talk show online. Hon. Robbie Chizhyuka, MP is Southern Province Member of Parliament for Namwala and a founding member of United Party for National Development (UPND).This is an opportunity to engage him.
How have you been operating all along without any code of conduct …..hhhmmhhh…. ethics?
What ethics is he talking about? These guys have never had ethics, so please spare us the nonsense.
Joshua Kanganja is the worst, and possibly most partisan, Secretary to the Cabinet Zambia has ever had. We are watching you baba, you will not go beyond October 31, 2011. You’re going back to your village where you and Leonard Kantumoya will find Arnold Kapelembi in Zambezi.
The code of work ethics should start with the MMD govt. I am pissed off and disturbed by an article in the post that livingstone hospital does not have a single ambulance. There is money raised to evict monkeys from state house…money to buy hearses ….oh and Z GDP is up…..but NO money for an ambulance in Livivingstone. Where are all this pharisee Church leaders not standing up for the poor in scenario’s like this where is love thy neighbour ? Work ethics is needed in this selfish greedy uncaring MMD PARTY of 20 years. Shame on you MMD you can not even buy an ambulance in livingstone. Greedy thieves
Honestly, How much does an ambulance cost if it saves lives? Are there even any fire trucks in Zambia? Can any blogger tell me how many ambulances and fire trucks exist in Zambia? Oh and how many goverment vehicles there are for ministers? Does MMD really care about Zambia? I wonder…..
Paradigm shift” fancy words,my a-s-s this guy should improve the way people are paid,once you improve people pay you can ask them anything you want,this is all hot air the dr is blowing,the entire system needs to be reformed from the top,Govt (RB’s regime) should not be in the business of running daily Govt operations,if State House shuts down govt departments should work independently,we should seek ultimate independence simply said MMD GOVT SHOULD GET IT’S STICK FINGERS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!